2024 Ontario Building Code Cleanout Standards: Building Sewers and Drains Guide
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"In my experience consulting on projects from London to Muskoka, cleanout accessibility is the most frequent point of failure during plumbing inspections. At empcontracting.ca Inc., your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we ensure that NPS 4 cleanouts are strategically placed not just for code compliance, but to prevent the catastrophic cost of excavating a finished basement or landscape due to a lack of rodding access."
Navigating the complexities of the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) is essential for any successful residential or commercial project. As empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we ensure every drainage system meets the rigorous standards set out in Section 7.4.7. regarding direction changes and cleanout accessibility.
Section 7.4.7.1: Directional Changes and Cleanout Locations
The OBC maintains strict regulations on how building sewers change direction to prevent blockages and facilitate maintenance.
Direction and Slope Limitations
A building sewer must maintain a consistent direction and slope between the building and the public sewer. Exceptions are granted for pipes not exceeding NPS 6, provided the change is no more than 5° every 3 meters, or uses fittings with a cumulative change of no more than 45°.
Mandatory Cleanout Placements
- Building Exit: A cleanout fitting of NPS 4 or larger must be located as close as practical to where the drain leaves the building.
- Stacks: Cleanouts are required at the bottom of the stack, within 3 meters upstream of the bottom, or on a Y fitting connecting to the building drain.
- Kitchen Sinks: A readily accessible cleanout must be installed on the trap arm serving a kitchen sink, positioned close to the trap outlet.
- Food Receptacles: Indirect drainage pipes for food waste require cleanouts at every direction change exceeding 45°.
Section 7.4.7.2: Size and Spacing Requirements
Properly sizing and spacing cleanouts ensures that rodding and maintenance equipment can reach all areas of the drainage system.
Cleanout Spacing Table Analysis
According to Table 7.4.7.2, the maximum spacing for cleanouts depends on the pipe size and whether one-way or two-way rodding is utilized:
- NPS < 3: 7.5m (One-Way) / 15m (Two-Way)
- NPS 3 and 4: 15m (One-Way) / 30m (Two-Way)
- NPS > 4: 26m (One-Way) / 52m (Two-Way)
Manhole and Sewer Extension Regulations
For larger installations, manholes are required at all junctions and changes in grade for sanitary building sewers NPS 8 or larger. Furthermore, the developed length between the building and the first manhole must not exceed 75 meters.
For expert implementation of these codes, trust empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario to handle your next build with precision and compliance.
Disclaimer: This content is generated from the Ontario Building Code for educational purposes. Always consult with a licensed professional engineer or your local building department before starting any construction project in London, Ontario.